Deploying nucleic acids-loaded plant-derived exosomes as green nano gadget in cancer gene therapy

Abstract

The pursuit of effective drug delivery systems is critical in advancing cancer therapies, particularly in the realms of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy. This review focuses on plant-based extracellular vesicles (PBEs) as innovative nanoplatforms for encapsulating and delivering genetic materials, including microRNAs (miRNAs), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). We explore the unique properties of PBEs that enhance the stability and bioavailability of these therapeutic molecules, particularly their resistance to degradation by ribonucleases (RNases) and their ability to withstand gastrointestinal digestion. By improving the stability and facilitating cellular uptake of these genetic particles, PBEs offer a significant enhancement of their therapeutic efficacy through nuclear gene modulation. This review highlights the transformative potential of PBEs in developing novel drug delivery systems for cancer treatment, paving the way for future research and clinical advancements in RNA-based therapies and beyond.